Having persevered and overcome the challenges of an incredibly intense 8 week training program, graduation is the one event that students look forward to with excitement, anticipation, relief and pride. Graduation takes place on the parade deck of FMTB's School house, known as Valor Hall. It is a military ceremony with Staff, students, family, friends and guests of honors. Families of the young courageous Corpsmen, travel from all over the country to watch their loved ones walk across the parade deck and enter into the supporting fields of the Fleet Marine Force. Everyone is welcome to attend the graduation ceremony, and there are facilities and seating for all who come. This page will explain a variety of events that take place on Graduation day as well as driving directions, location, items for sale, and local resources.
LOCATION:
Field Medical Training Battalion is located aboard Camp Delmar (21 Area), which is part of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Camp Delmar is home to I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, Assault Amphibious School and many other units. Camp Delmar is on the Southwest part of Camp Pendleton, between the I-5 Interstate and the Pacific Ocean. Camp Pendleton is located approx. 35 miles north of San Diego and approx 63 miles south of Los Angeles. Camp Pendleton is the largest amphibious base in the world with over 25 miles of ocean front. The four cities that lay around Camp Pendleton are: Oceanside to the Southeast; Vista to the Southwest; Fallbrook to the East; and San Clemente to the North.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
FMTB is located in the 21 Area aboard Camp Pendleton. Google Maps Location.
From San Diego Airport take I-5 north to Oceanside and follow the signs to Camp Pendleton. Once on board stay immediately to the right, following the sign for Del Mar. Take the ramp up and over the main road to the 21 Area/Del Mar. Make a left at 8th Street and follow the road until you see the building on the left hand side. The school house is located near the headquarters building with the large flag pole.
EVENTS:
Before the graduation ceremony takes place there are many things to do. At Valor Hall, there is a Command Memorial with Artifacts dating back to World War II. There will be a MOTO Video playing in the classroom; The moto video is video footage shot during the current class training evolution and compiled into a DVD. This DVD is also for sale.
Outside of Valor Hall, to the side of the parade deck there will be a stand set up with different items available for purchase. These items include T-Shirts, Cups, Mugs, Coins, and Dvd's.
For purchase of these items, cash and debit/credit cards are accepted.
For food or beverages, there is an Exchange, Subway and Pizza Hut located within walking distance of Valor Hall. To drive to these locations, when you make a left onto 11th Street, you will make your first Left upon the next street and locations will be on your left.
ENTRY TO CAMP PENDLETON:
In order to drive aboard Camp Pendleton, you must provide a current Drivers License, Proof of Insurance and current Vehicle Registration.
If you are taking a shuttle or taxi onto to Camp Pendleton, all Non military entrants, 16 years of age or older must present an current photo identification, such as a Drivers License, State ID, or Passport.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For additional information you may contact the Quarterdeck at FMTB-W, phone number is (760) 725-2559. For more information on hotels and restaurants near Camp Delmar, Use Google to Search Oceanside, CA.
Information on Camp Pendleton may also be found on Camp Pendleton’s Homepage, or the Marine Corps Community Services Webpage.
To download these directions in PDF form, please click here.